The Seahawks have been willing to spend a lot of money on coaches and players, and McDaniels was a hot candidate who interviewed with the Rams and Minnesota Vikings before settling on St. Louis.

Tom Cable, former head coach of the Oakland Raiders, was hired later Tuesday as the Seahawks' offensive line coach. The Hawks need an upgrade on the line, and Cable is a direct coaching descendant of Alex Gibbs, who retired as the Seahawks' line coach just before the season began.

The Seahawks also are interviewing Darrell Bevell, who remains -- for now -- the Vikings' offensive coordinator, for their quarterbacks coach position, according to a league source.

Some coaches who know Bates and Carroll believe the differences in their personalities -- Carroll has more of a laid-back persona, while Bates is fiery and super-intense at times -- could have led to the parting.

Ultimately, the Seahawks will have a series of staff changes for second offseason in a row.